The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured that the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway would be completed within the next 18 months.
Abiodun made this statement on Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony and official flag-off of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Highway, which connects the state to Lagos and the neighboring Republic of Benin.
He emphasized that the importance of the road led his administration to seek the federal government’s approval for its total rehabilitation.
The governor explained that the road, being the second busiest highway in the country, would, upon completion, not only enhance the economic well-being of the people of Ogun and Lagos States but also benefit the entire country.
He noted that the road, which was first awarded for construction in 2003, has remained incomplete due to insufficient funds.
He added that his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance led him to seek the transfer of responsibility from the federal government to alleviate the suffering of road users.
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Abiodun stated that the reconstruction project covers approximately 81.6 kilometers and will be divided into five segments: Ota, Ifo, Papalanto, Ewekoro, and Abeokuta.
“This road is of great significance not only to Ogun and Lagos States but to Nigeria and the neighboring West African country, Benin Republic.
“This highway connects four local government areas in Ogun—Abeokuta North, Ewekoro, Ifo, and Ado-Odo/Ota—and Alimosho Local Government in Lagos State.
It was first awarded in 2003 but has suffered from insufficient funding.
“Our people have suffered too much on this road, but today, our hope is renewed.
To expedite the completion of this project, we have put in place five teams. Each team will cover about 15 kilometers, and the entire project will be completed in 18 months,” the governor added.
The governor recounted earlier efforts to secure federal approval for the road’s reconstruction, which met with obstacles under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for handing over the project to the state government.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, in his goodwill message, said that the reconstruction approval granted to the state government by the federal government would bring relief to all Nigerians upon completion.
The monarch also expressed appreciation to the Tinubu administration for renewing the hopes of Nigerians concerning the highway, which had been in a poor state for over 12 years.
“This is a major dividend of democracy in the state. The reconstruction will bring immense benefits to the people of Ogun. However, I appeal for the inclusion of lay-bys at every bus stop along the highway,” the monarch added.
Oba Olugbenle also called for the construction of a flyover at Papalanto Junction in Ewekoro Local Government to reduce accidents and enhance the free flow of traffic.